The island and the castle get their name from a seventh centaury missionary called Donan who died around 618AD. The earliest mention of the castle was in 1263 when it is said that Alexander III gave ownership of the castle to Colin McKenzie. However for many decades ownership of Eilean Donan was disputed between the McKenzie’s and the Earl of Ross.
When Clan McKenzie sheltered Robert the Bruce from the English in 1306. This kindness towards the kings was not forgottena and they were eventually rewarded by David II in the form of a charter being created confirming ownership of the castle to the Clan McKenzie.
Eilean Donan was the centre of European affairs in 1719 around the time of the Jacobite rebellions. The Spanish king sought to put the House of Stewart back on the throne; he sent troops there to fortify the castle. It was then nearly completely destroyed by three English garrisons that were sent to counter the Spanish troops.
The castle lay in ruins until it was bought by John MacRae-Gilstrap in 1911 and restoration of the castle began the next year with work being completed 20 years later in 1932. It now stands as one of the most picturesque castles within Scotland and it is open to vistors to tour or as a possible wedding destination.
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